The first-ever UFC flyweight world title fight goes down on September 22nd at UFC 152 in Toronto. The four man tournament, which began in March, will culminate with Joseph Benavidez taking on Demetrious Johnson in what is sure to be a memorable bout between two gifted fighters on a historic night. Additionally, the co-main event has been verbally agreed to as top-ten middleweights “All-American” Brian Stann and brash Brit Michael “The Count” Bisping battle it out on Canadian soil to move closer to a title shot.

The eight remaining contenders in the GLORY World Series single-elimination tournament will travel from the four corners of the earth to battle it out on November 3, 2012 at the historical PalaLottomatica venue, where Muhammad Ali won his Olympic gold medal.

The greatest prize in the sport of kickboxing will be on the line. The overall winner of the GLORY World Series Final 8 will have fought three times that night and earned a grand prize of $300,000 before a capacity crowd. It will test his skill, strength and fitness. It will require him to dig into the deepest parts of his spirit to endure pain, fear and exhaustion.

“GLORY kickboxing is a combination of both Art and War, the pinnacle of stand-up fighting, and Rome with its history and legendary martial tradition is the perfect fit for our Final 8 tournament,” said Marcus Luer, Managing Director of GLORY Sports International.

“Rome provides a beautiful and appropriate backdrop. The battles that took place in the Coliseum have been immortalized in countless movies but I can assure you the bouts that will take place on November 3 will rival anything you have seen on film or in the ring. We are expecting an Epic.”

Italy is represented in the Final 8 by the inimitable Giorgio Petrosyan, nicknamed ‘The Doctor’ for his absolutely surgical precision in the ring. Albert Kraus and Robin van Roosmalen represent the kickboxing powerhouses of the Netherlands, while Shemsi Beqiri travels down from the mountains of Switzerland to stake his claim.

From America comes the hard-hitting Ky Hollenbeck, on a mission to prove that the USA can produce world-class kickboxers, and from England comes the tricky Tim Thomas. From the steppes of Asia, Davit Kiria and across the cold northern seas from Sweden, the young prospect Sanny Dahlbeck.

“The Will To Fight” – Muay Thai fighter, Daniel Ketley

The Ultimate Fighter 16: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson – Announced

The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization is proud to announce the coaches for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter are interim UFC heavyweight champion Shane Carwin and top heavyweight contender Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson.

Taping for the show’s second season on FX will begin in early August, with the debut episode slated to air in September.

UFC President Dana White said: “This is going to be a very interesting dynamic between these two heavyweights. They both have huge punching power and great chins but, outside of the Octagon, they couldn’t be more different. These two have been going at it on social media for a while and don’t seem to like each other very much, but they are going to be seeing a lot of each other during this series and I guarantee it’ll make for great TV.”

“Working with Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and Craig Piligian on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter on FX was one of the highlights of my professional career,” said Chuck Saftler, Executive Vice President, FX Networks. “I’m thrilled to be able to continue this working relationship, and I’m extremely confident we’re going to make season two the best possible viewing experience for UFC fans.”

Carwin, 12-2 in his mixed martial arts career, is unquestionably one of the hardest one-shot punchers in the entire sport. He knocked out the likes of Christian Wellisch, Gabriel Gonzaga and Frank Mir en route to winning the interim UFC heavyweight title in 2010. Now fully healthy after back surgery, the former NCAA Division II champion asked for the chance to coach the next generation of UFC stars on the longest-running sports reality TV series in the world.

“I’m very excited to get this opportunity. Coaching TUF is something I asked for and really wanted to do,” said Carwin. “I see myself being an MMA coach when my own career is over and can’t wait to start working with my Grudge Training team to help the next generation of UFC stars achieve their dreams.

“I also asked to coach against Roy Nelson. The fans know how I like to conduct myself both in and out of the Octagon, and I respect every fighter, coach, official and fan in the UFC. But I cannot respect a man like Roy Nelson – because he shows no respect himself. He is a keyboard warrior who doesn’t have the guts to talk trash to my face, but now he’s going to have to be in the same room, the same gym and finally the same Octagon as me.

“I know I am a better fighter and trainer than he is. I will prove I’m a better trainer in TUF and then, when we fight, I will hit him harder than anyone has ever hit him and teach him some respect.”

Roy Nelson, 17-7 in his MMA career, has been called one of the toughest fighters in any division. Already an experienced campaigner when he entered The Ultimate Fighter house in 2009, ‘Big Country’ defeated Kimbo Slice and Brendan Schaub to become the season 10 TUF champion, before going on to knockout Stefan Struve, Mirko Cro Cop and, most recently, Dave Herman. Nelson is the fifth TUF champion to return to the series as a coach, following Forrest Griffin, Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping and Matt Serra.

Las Vegas native Nelson said: “When I found out I was going to be a TUF coach I was like ‘Wow me!’ When I found out I was coaching against Shane Carwin I was so happy to get a chance to compete against this guy. As for being in the same room as him, I try not hang out with people that make me feel icky on the inside but, to coach TUF, I will make an exception.

“Shane Carwin can think he is the better fighter and coach, but I will do my best and try to represent the Average Joe and show my team that, with hard work, you can walk away a winner against any fighter.”

More than 300 UFC and Strikeforce Fighters Attend the Fighter Summit

The Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce organizations held their fourth Fighter Summit on July 9 and July 10 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC President Dana White and UFC CEO and Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta welcomed over 300 UFC and Strikeforce athletes to Las Vegas, Nevada.

At the Summit, the UFC and Strikeforce announced a formalized written policy against performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) and other banned substances.

Lawrence Epstein, the company’s Executive Vice-President and General Counsel, explained the written policy is a continuation of existing policy, and that both promotions will follow guidelines drafted by the same law firm which advises the National Football League on PEDs.

Epstein said: “It is important to continue educating our athletes on the dangers of PEDs and other banned substances. Additionally, no new UFC or Strikeforce promotional agreement will become effective before the athlete has provided a clean PED test result.”

He added: “PED and banned substance usage harms the integrity of sport, potentially compromises the safety of our athletes, raises concerns for both short and long-term health issues and sends an improper message to our fanbase. We will continue to be at the forefront of this issue. And we will continue to work with Athletic Commissions and other bodies to ensure – to the fullest extent possible – that testing procedure keep pace with scientific advancements regarding the identification and detection of prohibited substances.”

The promotions’ medical consultant Dr. Jeff Davidson then spoke to the athletes about both the short and long-term medical effects of PEDs. Dr. Davidson discussed the topical Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Keith Kizer – the Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission – detailed the laws and regulations pertaining to PEDs and TRT.

The Fighter Summit itinerary also included topics such as how the fighters can better promote themselves using social media, an announcement on the company’s new relationship with video game giant EA Sports, a talk from pro football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin on the social responsibilities and pressures placed upon modern-day athletes, and a presentation on sensitivity and promoting professional brand excellence.

UFC President Dana White said: “When we see our fighters during event time, they are cutting weight or are going from interview to interview, so it is important to sit down with them – all 300-plus of them – in a room and go over what is happening in our sport. We had a great line-up of speakers, experts in everything from social media, to brand awareness to medical experts, and our fighters went away with some great information. These summits are crazy to organize, but as a responsible company we feel they are very worthwhile.”

It was also announced that, despite an increase in cost, all UFC and Strikeforce athletes will have accidental medical insurance for a second year, including added coverage for pre-existing conditions.

UFC Chairman Lorenzo Fertitta said: “Flying over three hundred athletes from literally all over the world, from Brazil, Europe, the Far East, Australia and all over North America, is always a logistical challenge. But it is invaluable for our major sports organization to get all of our athletes together go over things like insurance, drug testing and social responsibility. We had great feedback from our athletes and the summit was extremely worthwhile.”

Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann – Card Updated

After slugging it out in one of the most memorable toe-to-toe wars in women’s Mixed Martial Arts history, power striker Leslie “The Peacemaker” Smith (3-2-1) of Pleasant Hill, Calif. will return to the Invicta Fighting Championships cage, replacing Milana Dudieva, in a featured bantamweight (135 pounds) showdown with fellow hard-hitting KO artist Amanda “Lioness of the Ring” Nunes (6-2) of Salvador, Bahia Brazil at Invicta FC 2: Baszler vs. McMann at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kan. on Sat., July 28. Dudieva has withdrawn from her commitment due to medical illness.

Invicta FC 2 – Baszler vs. McMann

July 28, 2012

Memorial Hall

Kansas City, Kansas

Shayna Baszler vs. Sara McMann

Alexis Davis vs. Hitomi Akano

Liz Carmouche vs. Kaitlin Young

Ayaka Hamasaki vs. Jasminka Cive

Amanda Nunes vs. Leslie Smith

Sarah D’Alelio vs. Vanessa Porto

Barb Honchak vs. Bethany Marshall

Julia Budd vs. Elina Nilsson

Carla Esparza vs. Sarah Schneider

Angelica Chavez vs. Nicdali Rivera-Calanoc

Sarah Moras vs. Raquel Pennington

Jessamyn Duke vs. Suzie Montero

Jocelyn Lybarger vs. Cheryl Chan

Jessica Philippus vs. Liz McCarthy

Anderson Silva – “Do You Call My Name” Highlight Video

Bellator 72 Fight Card Features Tourney Finals & Paul Daley’s Debut

Bellator Fighting Championships is headed back to “The Sunshine State” on Friday, July 20th for Bellator 72 LIVE from The USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida. Featuring the finals of the Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament between Bryan Baker and Karl Amoussou, Bellator 72 will also showcase the debut of dynamic knockout artist Paul “Semtex” Daley as well as a bad blood welterweight trilogy fight between Marius Zaromskis and Waachiim Spiritwolf. Additionally, the semifinals of the Bellator Summer Series Light Heavyweight Tournament will take place as Attila Vegh meets Emanuel Newton and Travis Wiuff will face Tim Carpenter. Also, a stacked preliminary card full of the area’s top talent will be in action.

After competing in the Bellator Season 5 and Season 6 Welterweight Tournament, Ben “Killa B” Saunders will make his return to the cage as he squares off against longtime veteran, Brian Warren. Warren is currently riding a 5-fight winning streak and is looking to earn the biggest win of his career when he meets Saunders in this catchweight bout at 178lbs.

An intriguing heavyweight matchup will also be featured as once-defeated Tampa native Chris Barnett will face off against nearby Ocala fighter, Tom Sauer. Barnett, who owns notable victories over Jonathan Ivey and Kenny Garner, looks to build off back-to-back wins in his previous two outings while Sauer, a veteran of 37 professional fights, attempts to add to his impressive 3-fight winning streak.

Bellator Season 6 Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinalist Raul “Smash Mode” Amaya will make his return to the Bellator cage when he meets fellow Florida fighter, Kenny Moss in a welterweight contest. “Smash Mode,” who owns a near-perfect 9-1 record with all 9 of his wins coming by stoppage, looks to get back to his winning ways when he faces Moss who is making his promotional debut inside the Bellator cage.

Undefeated wrestling phenom Shanon “The Heartbreak Kid” Slack will make his return to the Bellator cage opposite Tampa’s own, Matt McCook in a featherweight contest. Slack, a 2008 U.S. Olympic Alternate will try to build off his dominating performance over Booker Arthur at Bellator 69 while McCook faces the toughest test of his career when the two lock horns in Tampa.

A pair of local Florida fighters will meet inside the Bellator cage as Gracie Tampa product Paul Barrow will take the hometown support with him when he meets Orlando’s Jason Carapellucci in a contest at 150lbs. Carapellucci is currently in the midst of a 6-fight winning streak while Barrow, looks to upend his opponent when he enters enemy territory on July 20th.

A welterweight showdown between two Florida natives will round out the card as Ryan DeRocher battles Julien Williams, who calls Orlando home. Both competitors are known for their dynamic finishing skills and are prepared to entertain and impress the Tampa crowd when they kick start the action from The USF Sun Dome.

UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II – Card Updated

After Denver’s Chris Camozzi won his UFC on FX fight June 22 in Atlantic City, the middleweight TUF veteran publicly asked for a fight in his hometown. He’ll get his wish with a bout against Buddy Roberts, who made his successful UFC debut on June 22 at UFC on FX in Florida. The two have verbally agreed to square off at UFC 150.

UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II

August 11, 2012

Pepsi Center

Denver, Colorado

Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar (UFC Lightweight Title Bout)

Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard

Ed Herman vs. Jake Shields

Yushin Okami vs. Rousimar Palhares

Chris Camozzi vs. Buddy Roberts

Jared Hamman vs. Michael Kuiper

Eiji Mitsuoka vs. Nik Lentz

Justin Lawrence vs. Max Holloway

Dennis Bermudez vs. Tom Hayden

Alistair Overeem and MASATO to attend K-1 Open Tryouts

K-1 Open Tryouts are July 19 at Muscle Beach – FREE and OPEN to the Public!

With close to 200 men from all over the world pre-registered for the K-1 Open Tryouts, K-1 has reached out to two of its former champions, Alistair Overeem, World Grand Prix Champion and Masato, two-time MAX Champion, to help evaluate and scout all the Hopefuls trying out next week Thursday for a chance to fight in the K-1 organization.

Overeem and Masato will head to Muscle Beach on July 19 to alternate as judges during the tryouts, and also will pose for photos with the athletes and fans in attendance. Overeem and Masato join fighting legends Tyrone Spong, Dewey Cooper, Mighty Mo and Rick Roufus who were already scheduled to attend. The K-1 Open Tryouts are FREE and OPEN to the public.

“We are thrilled that Alistair Overeem and Masato are coming to the K-1 Open Tryouts next Thursday at Muscle Beach,” said Doug Kaplan, Chief Executive Officer, K-1. “I have asked Alistair and Masato to join Tyrone Spong, Dewey Cooper, Rick Roufus and Mighty Mo to come out to LA and help K-1 find the next great breed of fighters and world champions.”

MFC Veteran Dwayne Lewis Retires

The longest-serving fighter, and unquestionably one of the biggest fan favorites, in the Maximum Fighting Championship has decided to hang up his gloves for good.

Former light-heavyweight title challenger and 15-time MFC competitor Dwayne “D-Bomb” Lewis recently announced his retirement on his Facebook page. The announcement comes not as a major surprise as injuries have taken their toll on the family man over the past couple of years. Lewis had hoped to fight on the MFC 33 card back in May but hand issues forced that fight to the backburner. Although he had considered taking a run at the MFC 35 event coming up in October, Lewis opted to say goodbye instead.

“Finally making it official … I’m done fighting,” Lewis wrote. “I’ve had a blast. For five years I tried my best to put in as much time as I could to be able to compete. It’s just been too busy of a schedule for me to keep up with and compete with guys who train and fight full-time.

“I’ve met some great people and made some great friends. I’ve won fights that I shouldn’t have won and I’ve definitely lost fights I shouldn’t have lost but they have all been memories I will cherish. Walking away with a 14-8 record, 9 KOs, a 7-fight win streak and a ton of memories! Thanks to everyone who had supported me.”

Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman – Card Updated

Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will make her highly-anticipated initial title defense against former champ Sarah Kaufman when Strikeforce: Rousey vs. Kaufman comes to Valley View Casino Center on Sports Arena Blvd. in San Diego, Calif. on Saturday, August 18. The five-round bout will air live on Showtime while preliminary fights will be shown live on Showtime Extreme.

Inside MMA correspondent Ron Kruck spoke with the legendary Fedor Emelianenko after his fight with Pedro Riizzo. Fedor caught just about everyone by surprise by announcing his retirement.

UFC 149: Faber vs. Barão – Final Card

The summer’s outbreak of injuries has spread again on the UFC 149 card, with Canadian Claude Patrick the latest athlete forced out of a planned bout. Brian Ebersole who is coming off a hard-fought, impressive win at UFC on FX June 22 has verbally agreed to step in to face James Head in the welterweight match-up.

UFC 149: Faber vs. Barão

July 21, 2012

ScotiaBank Saddledome

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Main Card (Pay-Per-View):

Urijah Faber vs. Renan Barão (Interim UFC Bantamweight Title Bout)

Hector Lombard vs. Tim Boetsch

Court McGee vs. Nick Ring

Cheick Kongo vs. Shawn Jordan

Matthew Riddle vs. Chris Clements

Preliminary Card:

Ryan Jimmo vs. Anthony Perosh

Bryan Caraway vs. Mitch Gagnon

Antonio Carvalho vs. Daniel Pineda

Mitch Clarke vs. Anton Kuivanen

Brian Ebersole vs. James Head

Roland Delorme vs. Francisco Rivera

The UFC is going to China

Macau to host a Fight Night in November 2012. The Ultimate Fighting Championship organization continued its foray into new territories today, officially announcing its first-ever event in the People’s Republic of China, and its second event in Asia this year. Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China located off the mainland’s southern coast, will host a UFC event on November 10, 2012.

The event will take place at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel’s Cotai Arena, a 15,000-seat venue which has established itself as the top live-entertainment location in southern China. The fight will be broadcast by FUEL TV in the US market, and by numerous UFC television partners around Asia and globally.

“Breaking into a market with a population of over 1.3 billion is both a testament to the growth of our sport and a long-term challenge we are excited to undertake,” said Lorenzo Fertitta, UFC Chairman and CEO. “This is just the first of many world-class fights we plan to hold over the coming years in China, one of the birthplaces of martial arts. The world-class Cotai Arena in Macau is an ideal place to start this journey.”

“Sands China is thrilled to introduce UFC to Macau for the first time,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sands China Ltd. “Our continuing mission is to bring the best entertainment events to the region, cementing Macau’s place as Asia’s entertainment hub. It’s our pleasure to be working with the UFC organization to bring such a major sporting event for the enjoyment of Macau’s visitors and locals alike.”

Over the last several years, the UFC has built its broadcast reach in China to more than 450 million television viewers via a dozen provincial broadcasters, and more than 500 million unique viewers through the nation’s leading internet portals. UFC fighter Zhang Tiequan leads a growing group of professional MMA fighters in mainland China, several of whom are candidates to make their UFC debut in Macau.

“This event is a major step in the development of the UFC brand in this region of the world, and China in particular,” noted Mark Fischer, UFC Managing Director of Asia. “We are delighted by this opportunity to build on the media growth and attention we have received and to finally bring a live event in prime time to the millions of fans in this area, and especially to those lucky enough to come and experience all the excitement of the UFC in person.”

Ronda Rousey Nude in ESPN Magazine

The Body Issue is ESPN The Magazine’s annual celebration of athletes’ amazing bodies, where we stop to admire the vast potential of the human form and unapologetically stand in awe of the athletes who’ve pushed their physiques to profound frontiers. Check out the current Strikeforce Champion in her birthday suit.